Presenting The Steel Rolex Yacht-Master II Ref. 116680 Replica Watch

The Rolex Yacht-Master II replica in stainless steel was released at last year’s Baselworld and was one of Rolex’s most popular launches in 2013. That was until this model (Ref. 116680) of the regatta-countdown chronograph watch was released in a 904L stainless steel case with a blue Cerachrom bezel insert.The Yacht-Master II was first introduced in 2007 but was only available in gold and bi-color (Rolesium – a Rolex term) versions.

The Yacht-Master II was one of the first watches in the world that combined functionality between the bezel and the movement. The countdown feature can also be locked and unlocked by twisting the bezel through 90 degrees.The countdown function is programmable up to ten minutes and includes the worlds first mechanical “memory” so that it can be reset to the same countdown time period used previously. Programming the countdown is easily done through use of the rotatable ‘Ring Command’ bezel, a Rolex-developed system that connects the bezel to the movement.

Stainless Steel Rolex Yacht-Master II replica

The regatta countdown function is the key feature of the mens fake Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II and is a complication specially developed by Rolex. This complication has a programmable timer that counts down ten minutes, this countdown mechanism was principally designed for regattas and is part of the Rolex 4161 chronograph movement. This movement took 35,000 hours (nearly 4 years) to produce and consists of 360 parts. The countdown mechanism is constructed using a column wheel that extends through the main plate and a vertical clutch.

If the countdown was started either too early or too late then it can be synchronized on the fly. This is done by pressing the start/stop button ( located at the 2 o’clock position), and then pressing the reset button, located at the 4 o’clock position, the minute countdown hand then re-positions itsself to the nearest minute while the seconds countdown hand returns to 0. This is an important feature because the timing of the start of a Regatta is crucial.

Designed to meet the needs of professional sailors the Yacht-Master II stainless steel edition provides a welcome non-precious metal version that could be seen as a more durable and less expensive option. Personally I find it the most pleasing colour combination currently available, its also comes in Everose (Ref. 116681), yellow gold (Ref. 116688) and white gold and platinum (Ref. 116689).

The price of the Yacht-Master II in Stainless Steel. It comes fitted on a solid-link, steel Oyster bracelet featuring Rolex’s hallmark Oysterlock safety clasp to prevent accidental opening and the mens fake Rolex-patented Easylink comfort-extension system allowing the wearer to easily increase the bracelet’s length by about five millimeters.